New campaign launched to give Scotland’s heritage a happy ever after

Dawn Renton

The National Trust for Scotland has launched a new campaign to help preserve the country’s heritage.

The ‘I’m in for the future’ appeal raises vital funds to ensure that the treasured places in the charity’s care can be maintained now and for future generations. The campaign aims to raise £150,000.

It costs around £50 per minute at present just to keep the National Trust for Scotland’s heritage treasures in their current condition, protected from marching mini-beasts that could ravage delicate textiles, torrential rain and floodwaters that wash away paths and overwhelm gutters and even light itself which damages precious paintings and furniture.

Funds raised from this appeal will go towards vital conservation work across the Trust, such as repairs to the Glenfinnan Monument in Lochaber. The monument which commemorates the 1745 Jacobite rebellion is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year has been ravaged by the elements, standing on the shore of Loch Shiel. Around £160,000 is needed to enable the charity to carry out important repairs to prevent further erosion of the monument and ensure that it continues to stand for another 200 years.

The National Trust for Scotland cares for 188,000 acres of countryside, many miles of coastline, historic castles, palaces and houses, gardens and even the place where one of the world’s best loved fairytales – Peter Pan – is said to have been dreamt up by the author JM Barrie.

Simon Skinner, the charity’s chief executive, said: “Although time stands still for the ever-young Peter Pan this is most certainly not the case for our properties. Scotland’s heritage needs to be protected every minute of every day.

“There is no ‘magical solution’ to protecting Scotland’s heritage. It is incredibly hard work and takes a lot of time, effort and commitment – and funds.”

For more information and to make a donation in support of the Trust’s vital conservation work, visit www.nts.org.uk/give.